Data storage apparatus

ABSTRACT

A data storage apparatus (HDD unit) having a cartridge, attachable to and detachable from a personal computer, incorporating a recording disk, comprises a switch circuit for inhibiting data reading and writing with respect to a magnetic disk and a locking mechanism for detecting that the cartridge is detached from the personal computer and causing a data reading and writing inhibiting device to operate in response to the detection.

This application is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 08/460,774,filed Jun. 2, 1995, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a data storage apparatus, such as amagnetic disk apparatus, loaded in a personal computer or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a conventional magnetic recording apparatus incorporating a harddisk, loaded in an information equipment (e.g., a personal computer),data is protected by means of changing a file attribute (whether datacan be read or written) or using a password, and a cartridge of themagnetic recording apparatus cannot be locked for the purpose ofprotection. Recently, however, a magnetic disk apparatus, in which aread/write operation can be prohibited by means of a lockable switch, isproposed (e.g., Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 54-53509). Such adata storage apparatus with a lockable switch is applied to a desk-topapparatus but cannot be applied to a portable apparatus with a cartridgeincorporating a memory medium.

In the conventional apparatus, to provide vibration resistance or impactresistance while a magnetic disk is being operated, a controllablefrequency range of a magnetic head positioning control system is widenedto increase the gain in a low frequency range. Alternatively, themagnetic head positioning controller is designed so that an open loophas a sufficient gain with respect to a frequency componentcorresponding to an external vibration applied to the magnetic disk orthat a settling function has a sufficient suppression ratio with respectto a frequency component corresponding to an external vibration appliedto the magnetic disk. In this case, servo information consisting ofpatterns repeated in a predetermined frequency on a part of the sectoron a track which is called a servo sector is previously over the innerand outer peripheries of the magnetic desk. The servo information isread out by the magnetic head, so that the control for resisting impactis performed. For this reason, in the magnetic head positioning controlsystem, data is sampled in a sampling period determined by the number ofservo sectors and the rotating speed of the disk. Therefore, thecontrollable frequency range of the magnetic head positioning controlsystem is limited by the sampling frequency. As a result, the magneticdisk apparatus cannot have a sufficient impact resistance. In order toprovide a sufficient impact resistance, an acceleration sensor isarranged in a magnetic disk apparatus so that an impact applied to themagnetic disk apparatus during the operation of the disk apparatus isdetected by the acceleration sensor, thereby prohibiting data from beingwritten into a disk surface in accordance with the degree of theacceleration detected by the acceleration sensor. There is also a methodof compensating an influence of impact or acceleration applied to themagnetic disk by feed-forward using an output from the accelerationsensor.

Recently, information equipment, i.e., a personal computer, has becomemore and more compact and light. In addition, a data storage apparatusitself, such as a magnetic disk apparatus, has become compact and highlyintegrated, and removable from a personal computer, a facsimileapparatus or a telephone set. Under the circumstances, the importance ofsecurity of recorded data has been increasing. To protect data, apassword has been provided for recorded data, for example, a file ofsoftware. However, the password may easily be decoded by an unauthorizedperson or broken by a computer virus or the like.

The conventional method for obtaining a vibration resistance or impactresistance is to compensate an influence of vibration or impact in amagnetic disk operating time (while the magnetic disk apparatus isoperating), and not in a magnetic disk nonoperating time (while themagnetic disk apparatus is not operating). Further, to increase theimpact resistance in the magnetic disk non-operating time, mechanicalmeasures have been taken: for example, to keep the magnetic headunloaded so as not to be brought into contact with the disk surface orto increase the latch force of a VCM (voice coil motor). Since theimpact resistant performance of the magnetic disk apparatus in a disknon-operating time depends on mechanical factors as described above, itis necessary to increase mechanical impact resistance of the magneticdisk in order to increase the impact resistance performance of themagnetic disk apparatus in a disk non-operating time. However, it isvery difficult and expensive to increase the impact resistance of themagnetic disk apparatus by means of mechanical factors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a secured data storageapparatus, such as a portable magnetic disk apparatus, which can preventdata stored therein from being leaked, stolen or broken by anunauthorized person.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a data storageapparatus, in which an operation of reading data therefrom or writingdata therein is restricted by not only software means but also hardwaremeans, so that data is reliably protected and the probability ofbreakage of data or leakage of a secret is reduced.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an impactresistant apparatus, which can reduce an influence of an external impactapplied thereto, in a magnetic disk non-operating time, on a magneticdisk apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda data storage apparatus comprising: a cartridge which is attachable toand detachable from an information equipment main body and incorporatesa data recording medium or recording element; data reading and writinginhibiting means for inhibiting data from being written in or read fromthe data storage medium or recording element; and operating means fordetecting that the cartridge is detached from the information equipmentmain body and causing the data reading and writing inhibiting means tooperate in response to a detection result.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda data storage apparatus attachable to and detachable from informationequipment, comprising: a rotary driving mechanism for rotating amagnetic disk storing positioning data for positioning a magnetic head;a moving mechanism for moving the magnetic head in radial directions ofthe magnetic disk based on a positioning control signal; a secondarybattery, incorporated in the data storage apparatus, for supplying powerto the data storage apparatus; acceleration detecting means fordetecting an acceleration externally applied to the data storageapparatus, when the data storage apparatus is not operating; supplyingmeans for supplying the power of the secondary battery to the datastorage apparatus in response to a result of acceleration detection bymeans of the acceleration detecting means; and charging means forcharging the secondary battery when the data storage means is operating.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provideda portable data storage apparatus, comprising: a cartridge which isattachable to and detachable from information equipment and incorporatesa data recording medium or recording element; an impact sensor,incorporated in the cartridge, for detecting an impact applied to thecartridge; and a device having a function of providing a warning thatthe data storage apparatus has received a great impact, when the impactdetected by the impact sensor is greater than a preset value.

According to the present invention, a device which can be electricallyconnected to or disconnected from, for example, a data reproducing andinputting apparatus, is mounted in a removable and portable cartridgeincorporating a recording medium. When the cartridge is removed from thedata inputting and reproducing apparatus, the electrical connection isautomatically cutoff and locked. The electrical connection cannot berestored so as to permit reading/writing of data, until the lock isreleased by means of a key. With this structure, change of data readingor writing mode is restricted by means of a mechanism which can beautomatically locked when the cartridge is drawn out of the datainputting and reproducing apparatus, so that it can be ensured that datais protected even after the cartridge is drawn out. As a result, a datastorage apparatus of a reliable security is provided.

According to the present invention, when the magnetic disk apparatusreceives an acceleration when it is not operating, it is fed by thesecondary battery incorporated therein, to restrict the driving of thevoice coil motor, the operation range of a gimbal supporting themagnetic head and the rotation of the spindle motor. In this manner, theinfluence of an impact applied to the magnetic disk apparatus during annon-operating time can be suppressed.

In addition, when the internal mechanism of the magnetic disk apparatusis broken or it receives an impact which may hinder the driving thereof,a warning is given to inform the user that the disk apparatus hasreceived a great impact. Therefore, the user can take a necessary actionto maintain the data stored in the disk apparatus.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention and, together with the general description given above andthe detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a data storage apparatus according to afirst embodiment of the present invention and an information equipment(personal computer) in which the data storage apparatus is loaded;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the data storage apparatus of thefirst embodiment and an information equipment in which the data storageapparatus is loaded;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a modification of the data storageapparatus of the first embodiment and an information equipment in whichthe data storage apparatus is loaded;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another modification of the datastorage apparatus of the first embodiment and an information equipmentin which the data storage apparatus is loaded;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing still another modification of the datastorage apparatus of the first embodiment and an information equipmentin which the data storage apparatus is loaded;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a further modification of the datastorage apparatus of the first embodiment and an information equipmentin which the data storage apparatus is loaded;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a still further modification of thedata storage apparatus of the first embodiment and an informationequipment in which the data storage apparatus is loaded;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a still another modification of thedata storage apparatus of the first embodiment and an informationequipment in which the data storage apparatus is loaded;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a data storage apparatus according toa second embodiment of the present invention and an informationequipment in which the data storage apparatus is loaded;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a data storage apparatus according toa third embodiment of the present invention and an information equipmentin which the data storage apparatus is loaded;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing operation states of mechanisms ofthe data storage apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing operation states of mechanisms ofthe data storage apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing operation states of mechanisms ofthe data storage apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing operation states of mechanisms ofthe data storage apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing operation states of portions of thedata storage apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a locking operation of thedata storage apparatus of the first and second embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a lock-releasing operationafter the insertion of the cartridge in the data storage apparatus ofthe first and second embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a cartridge of the data storageapparatus of the first embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a numeral panel of the data storageapparatus of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a numeral panel of the data storageapparatus having a memorandum display function according to the fourthembodiment;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a magnetic disk apparatus as anexample of the data storage apparatus of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a shock acceleration detector ofthe magnetic disk apparatus of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing another shock acceleratingdetector used in the magnetic disk apparatus of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a frequency characteristic of a platespring for detecting an acceleration applied to a magnetic diskapparatus, when the magnetic disk apparatus is not operating;

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a method for driving a voice coilmotor by power supplied from a secondary battery of the magnetic diskapparatus of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining another method for driving a voicecoil motor by the power supplied from a secondary battery of themagnetic disk apparatus of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a method for avoiding a collisionbetween a magnetic head and a magnetic disk surface of the magnetic diskapparatus of the fifth embodiment due to an acceleration externallyapplied when the magnetic disk apparatus is not operating;

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining a method for avoiding a collisionbetween a magnetic head and a magnetic disk surface of the magnetic diskapparatus of the fifth embodiment by means of drive control of a spindlemotor;

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a hard disk drive (HDD) unit withan impact alarm function as data storage apparatus according to a sixthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a shock sensor of the first exampleattached to the HDD unit with an impact alarm function of the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the impact sensor, taken along theline 20--20 shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor chip corresponding to theimpact sensor shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a personal computer in which the HDDunit with an impact alarm function of the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an impact sensor of the second exampleattached to the HDD unit with an impact alarm function of the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an impact sensor of the third exampleattached to the HDD unit with an impact alarm function of the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an impact sensor of the fourth exampleattached to the HDD unit with an impact alarm function of the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an impact sensor of the fifth exampleattached to the HDD unit with an impact alarm function of the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an impact sensor of the sixth exampleattached to the HDD unit with an impact alarm function of the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a sensor chip of an impact sensor usedin the HDD unit with an impact alarm function of the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a data storage apparatusaccording to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a packing portion of the datastorage apparatus of the seventh embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a personal computer as information equipment using a datastorage apparatus according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, a data storage apparatus, for example, ahard disk drive (HDD) unit 11, attachable to and detachable from apersonal computer 12, is loaded in a cartridge holder 13 formed in aside portion of the personal computer 12 and electrically connected tothe personal computer 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 14 of the HDD unit 11 includes ICs,such as an R/W amplifier 15 and a mechanism driver 16 (e.g., a motordriver or a head actuator driver). The amplifier 15 and the mechanismdriver 16 are connected to a connector B via a switch circuit 17. Theswitch circuit 17 is connected to a cartridge drawing detector 18, whichdetects whether the cartridge 14 is drawn from the computer 12 andcontrols a locking device 19. The locking device 19 locks the switchcircuit 17 in a cutoff state in response to a detection result by meansof the cartridge drawing detector 18. The lock state is released by alock releasing device 20. The lock releasing device 20 collates acondition set in a combination lock device 21, for example, a dial key,with a content of a ROM 22. When they coincide with each other, the lockreleasing device outputs a lock release request.

A lock inhibit switch (security key) 23 is security means for inhibitingthe locking device 19 for turning off the switch circuit 17 fromoperating, in a case where the cartridge 14 is drawn when an auto-lockmode is off.

When the HDD unit is loaded in the personal computer 12, it is connectedto the personal computer 12 through the connectors B and A and fed by apower source 24. The power supply from the power source 24 is turned onand off by means of the switch circuit 17.

In the above structure, if the cartridge 14 is drawn from the personalcomputer 12, this is detected by the cartridge drawing detector 18. Whena draw detection signal output from the detector 18 is supplied to thelocking device 19, the switch circuit 17 is turned off by the lockingdevice 19 and locked in a cutoff state (auto-locked).

In a modification shown in FIG. 3, a pressure sensor 301 is used as thecartridge drawing detector 18. In this modification, the pressure sensor301 is mounted on a side surface of a cartridge housing. When a detectedpressure is greater than a preset value, the pressure sensor 301supplies a request signal to the locking device 19 in order to lock theswitch circuit 17 in the same manner as in the cartridge drawingdetector 18. Even if the cartridge 14 is not drawn out, the abovefunction serves to limit access to the HDD unit through the personalcomputer 12 by the user, so that data can be protected. For example, aprojection is formed in the slot of the holder 13 of the informationequipment (personal computer) 12. When the cartridge 14 is drawn fromthe personal computer, the pressure sensor 301 is pressed against theprojection, thereby operating the pressure sensor. The projection can besubstituted for an eject bar of the cartridge 14, or the like. Further,as shown in FIG. 4, a pressure sensor 350 can be provided on a surfaceof the cartridge 14, so that the sensor 350 can be operated when theuser touches the surface of the cartridge, on which the sensor isprovided, in order to insert or draw the cartridge 14 in or from theholder 13. The pressure sensor 350 can be constituted by at least a pushbutton, and need not be a strain gauge, since it is only necessary thatthe pressure sensor 350 detect pressing force.

The lock releasing device 20 collates a number set in the combinationlock device (dial key) 21 with a number set or prestored in the ROM 22.When they coincide with each other, the lock state is released by thelock releasing device 20.

When the cartridge 14 is inserted in the holder 13, if the dial key 21is not set to the number prestored in the ROM 22, the lock releasingdevice 20 is not operated, and the switch circuit 17 is kept in thecutoff state and is not fed by the power source 24. Accordingly, the HDDunit is not operated, i.e., locked. If the dial key 21 is set to thenumber prestored in the ROM 22, the switch 17 is closed and brought intoa conductive state, when the cartridge is inserted in the holder, withthe result that the HDD unit, fed by the power source 24, is operated.

In a case where the lock inhibit switch (security key) 23 is on, thatis, the auto-lock mode is off, when the cartridge 14 is drawn, theswitch 17 is turned off, but the locking device is not operated. Whenthe cartridge is inserted, the switch circuit is turned on and restoredto the conductive state.

In the above embodiment, the security key 23 may not necessarily beprovided. Moreover, the ON/OFF state of the security can be set throughthe main body of the information equipment (personal computer). Further,whether data can be read or written may be controlled by turning on oroff a line of, for example, a data signal or a signal relating to datareading and writing (e.g., read/write timing pulse SYNC), instead of asource voltage signal.

Although not shown as an embodiment in the drawings, the data storageapparatus of the present invention may have a system structurecomprising a locking device for fixing a mechanical part, instead ofturning on/off the power source.

Another modification will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Anapparatus shown in FIG. 5 has a vibration sensor 501, in place of thepressure sensor 301 shown in FIG. 3, in the housing of the cartridge 14.In the apparatus, vibration applied to the housing when the cartridge isdrawn out, is detected by the vibration sensor 501. The vibration sensor501 supplies to the locking device 19 a request signal for locking theswitch circuit 17 in the same manner as in the cartridge drawingdetector 18. The vibration sensor 501 can be mounted inside or outsideof the housing of the cartridge 14, or a housing surface 510 at whichthe cartridge 14 is brought into contact with the personal computer.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, both the vibration sensor 601 shown in FIG.5 and the cartridge drawing detector (pressure sensor) 18 can beprovided in the cartridge. In other words, FIG. 6 shows a modificationwhich includes a plurality of cartridge drawing detectors. With theabove structure, even if the cartridge 14 is not drawn out, the systemstructure serves to limit access to the information storage device suchas the HDD unit through the information device such as the personalcomputer 12 by the user, so that data can be protected.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, both the pressure sensor 701 and thecartridge drawing detector 18 can be provided in the cartridge. As inthe modification shown in FIG. 6, even if the cartridge 14 is not drawnout, the system structure serves to limit access to the HDD unit throughthe personal computer 12 by the user, so that data can be protected.

The structure shown in FIG. 8 comprises a password input/collate device803 in addition to the system structure shown in FIG. 7. The passwordinput/collate device 803 stores a password set by the user or themanufacturer and collates the password with an input password. Whenthese passwords coincide with each other, the device 803 causes the lockreleasing device 20 to operate, thereby releasing the lock. In otherwords, the locking device 19 can be released either by the combinationlock device 21 or by the password input/collate device 803. With thisstructure, when the cartridge 14 is inserted in the informationequipment 12, the user can release the switch circuit from the lockedstate without touching the cartridge 14, for example, by inputting apassword through the keyboard of the information equipment 12.Similarly, the switch 17 can be locked in the same manner.

A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Thesecond embodiment employs a locking mechanism for turning on and off adata signal instead of turning on and off the power source as in thefirst embodiment shown in FIG. 2. In the second embodiment, a datasignal circuit 25 provided in the personal computer 12 is connected to aswitch circuit 17 via connectors A and B, so that the operation of thepersonal computer is controlled by turning on and off the data signalsupplied from the data signal circuit 25.

A cartridge drawing detector as used in the modifications shown in FIGS.3 to 8 can also be applied to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. According tothe third embodiment, when the cartridge drawing detector 18 detectsdrawing of the cartridge 14, the locking device 19 for fixing an elementof the HDD unit is operated. More specifically, the locking device 19 isconnected to an actuator cramp device 26 so as to cramp an operation ofa read/write actuator 11a (FIG. 1) of the HDD unit, thereby disablingthe R/W operation. The cramping function can be executed by cutting offthe connector B of the cartridge 14 (e.g., by a shutter), fixing amagnetic disk incorporated in the personal computer, or fixing the rotorof the motor. Alternatively, a head actuator mechanism can be locked bymeans of locking a VCM magnet or a latch mechanism of a head actuatormechanism. Particularly, in a cartridge having no R/W head, the shutterof the housing may be locked so as not to be opened or closed, or thedisk itself may be fixed.

FIGS. 11A and 11B to 14A and 14B show an operation of the cartridgedrawing detector 18, the locking device 19, the lock releasing device20, the actuator cramp device 26 and the dialing key (combination lockdevice) 21, shown in FIG. 10. The mechanism for detecting an operationof drawing a cartridge 301 includes a cartridge 301, drive members 307in the cartridge, a drive cramp mechanism 304 for cramping the drivingmembers in the cartridge, a mechanism 302 for detecting a drawing of thecartridge, a switch 303 for judging an operation of the drive crampmechanism 304 in association with the drawing of the cartridge, the dialkey 21 (or a ROM), a mechanism 308 for driving the drive releasingdevice, and a drive releasing mechanism 306 for releasing the drivecramp mechanism 304 in association with the release of the dialing key21. The drive members 307 in the cartridge include an actuator portionof the head, a portion for selecting a load/unload state of the head, adisk, a disk holding portion, a disk driving mechanism, a data accessswitch portion, a power source switch portion, and so on.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an operation of the above mechanism.In the system shown in FIG. 15, in which drawing of the cartridge 301 isdetected to lock the system, when the cartridge is loaded in thepersonal computer, the drive members 307 in the cartridge are unlockedin an operable state accessible of an information equipment as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, when the cartridge 301is drawn out of the personal computer, the mechanism 303 for operatingthe drive cramp mechanism 304 is operated in association with theoperation of the mechanism 302, for detecting a cartridge drawingoperation, arranged on the side on which the cartridge 301 is mounted.As a result, the drive cramp mechanism 304 cramps the drive members inthe cartridge in an inoperable state. In this manner, when the cartridgeis drawn out of the personal computer, the drive members 307 in thecartridge are always cramped in an inoperable state and locked. For thisreason, the above mechanism is advantageous in that the drive members inthe cartridge are prevented from a mark or damage (e.g., wear) due to animpact which the cartridge may receive while being carried. Further,when the cartridge is loaded in the personal computer, as shown in FIGS.13A and 13B, the operation cramp is released by the drive releasingmechanism 306 by means of the dial key 21. Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B, when the cartridge is loaded, the mechanism 302 fordetecting a cartridge drawing operation is set in a standby state.

In the automatic locking mechanism as described above, impact detectingmeans may be provided before the switch 303 for operating the drivecramp device, so that the drive cramp mechanism can be operated alsowhen the cartridge receives an impact.

According to the embodiment as described above, a data storage apparatusincludes a portable cartridge incorporating a cartridge drawingdetecting portion and a driving mechanism, and means for automaticallyinhibiting data reading or writing in association with a response fromthe detecting portion. In the apparatus, the inhibited state is releasedonly by releasing the locking device. Since it is assured that the datais protected after the cartridge is drawn out, the reliability of thedata storage apparatus can be increased.

In the conventional drive cramp mechanism, since the driving operationis disabled when the power source is off and enabled when the powersource is on, the security of data is not assured. Further, since aconventional HDD unit, having a locking mechanism, is locked manually,the user may forget to lock the cartridge. In this case, when thecartridge is carried, the safety of the cartridge is not ensured. Incontrast, the cartridge of the present invention includes the cartridgedrawing detector and the locking mechanism in association with theoperation of the detector. With this structure, the data stored in thecartridge is protected in terms of both security and safety.

Procedures of a locking operation of the first and second embodimentsshown in FIGS. 2 and 9 will be described with reference to FIG. 16.Steps 31 to 33 are examples of an operation of cartridge drawingdetection means of the present invention.

In the step 31, when the cartridge 14 of the HDD unit is drawn from thepersonal computer 12, the connection between the connectors A and B arecut off. As a result, a circuit power source of the HDD unit is turnedoff. In step 32, a power source cutoff detector detects cutoff of thepower source and generates a cutoff detection signal. In step 33, amonitor for monitoring an amount of voltage fluctuation per unit time isactivated in response to the cutoff detection signal, so that it isconfirmed that the cutoff lasts for a predetermined period of time orlonger and is not caused by a short-circuit due to contact failure or adrawing by mistake. In other words, the contact between the HDD unit andinformation equipment such as a personal computer is checked. Forexample, when a preset period of time of about 5 seconds or a desiredperiod of time, which the user can set, is elapsed, the monitor confirmsthe cutoff and detects whether the security key 23 is on or off (step34). When the security key 23 is on, a key lock operation routine 35 isstarted. When the security key 23 is off, a key lock operation is notperformed. Therefore, when the cartridge 14 is inserted again, data canbe accessed without key-lock releasing (step 36).

A lock releasing operation after cartridge insertion in the first andsecond embodiments will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

When the cartridge 14 is inserted in the main body of the informationequipment, i.e., computer 12, power is supplied from the power source 24to the circuits within the cartridge 14 and insertion of the cartridgeis detected (step 41). Subsequently, whether the locking device isopened or closed is detected (step 42). Thereafter, a lock openingcircuit is operable. When it is detected that the locking device isunlocked, i.e., "opened", reading and writing of data is permitted (step43). When it is detected that the locking device is locked, i.e.,"closed", the aforementioned lock releasing operation is executed,thereby "opening" the lock, so that recorded data can be accessed.

The security key can be a dial lock as shown in FIG. 18 or a cylinderkey, instead of the push button as described above. Further, it ispossible to use personal data stored in the ROM of the HDD unit, forexample, a code number, alphabets, a fingerprint, or a voiceprint, whichcan identify the user, or data which cannot easily be known to a personother than the user, and collate the data stored in the ROM with datainput in the key releasing operation.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the cartridge 14. The cartridge shownin this drawing corresponds to a fourth embodiment, in which the dialkey 21 of the first embodiment is replaced with numerical panels. Thedirection of the numerals is not limited to that shown in FIG. 19 butcan be set to any desired direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19,the security key consists of numerical touch panel keys. A touch panel61 is located at a portion of the cartridge 14, so that it can be seeneven when the cartridge is inserted in the main body of the personalcomputer 12. When a SET button 63 is depressed, numerals (e.g., 0 to 9)are displayed on liquid crystal surfaces or LED integrated panels ofnumerical touch panels, arranged in, for example, a 5×2 matrix. An inputnumber is determined by successively depressing, for example, 5 numerals(e.g., 2, 1, 5, 5, 0) of the touch panels. When an OPEN button 62 isdepressed, the input number is compared with the number prestored in theROM. If the input number coincide with a code number (21550) stored inthe ROM 22 incorporated in the cartridge 14, an electromagnetic lock, inassociation with the switch circuit, is released. In this case, if thelock inhibit switch (security key) 23 is on, the locking device 19 canbe locked in an inhibited state when the cartridge is drawn out of thepersonal computer. The code number can be input through a dial key asshown in FIG. 18. Further, a cylinder key can be used instead ofinputting a code number through numerical panels. Furthermore, thesecurity can be much improved by setting the releasing mechanism asfollows. For example, if the input number does not coincide with thecode number three times, the cartridge is drawn out and inserted again.In this state, if ON/OFF of the power source is not detected, a numbercannot be input. Even if an input number coincide with the prestorednumber, the locking device cannot be released.

The cartridge 14 can be constructed such that a contact of the connector(B) is covered by a connector cover or a connector shutter, therebyinhibiting connection itself. The connector cover or connector shuttercovers at the same time the cartridge is drawn out of the personalcomputer. However, it is not necessary that all the pins are covered bythe cover or shutter. If the shutter has a waterproof structure with apacking, for covering all connector pins, a waterproof or dustproofeffect can be obtained, thereby improving the data protectingperformance with respect to environment. If the overall cartridge iscovered by a conductive material, an electromagnetic shield effect canbe obtained. If the shutter is electrically grounded together with ahousing shield, the performance of protection against electrostaticbreakdown can be improved.

In this embodiment, a security switch 68 is arranged on a side surfaceof the cartridge 14 along the inserting direction; however, it can belocated on any surface of the cartridge. If the switch 68 is set to anON side, the cartridge is automatically locked when it is drawn out. Ina locked state, if the cartridge is reinserted, a LED indicator 64indicating "LOCK" is turned on. In a lock releasing operation, if aninput code number is incorrect, an ERROR indicator 67 is turned on orflickered. This indication can be made either in a lock releasingoperation alone or on all occasions. The ERROR indicator can beconstructed so as to be set selectively. When data is transmitted to orfrom the information equipment, an R/W indicator 66 is turned on.Although the above indications are executed by means of LEDs in thestructure shown in FIG. 9, they can be displayed on a display device ofthe main body of the information equipment (personal computer) orannounced by a voice or sound by means of a loud speaker of theinformation equipment or the cartridge.

FIG. 20 shows a state in which a memorandum is displayed on thenumerical panels of the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, thenumerical touch panels are constituted by liquid crystal panels 71. Atitle of the cartridge (Doc-File17) and the user's name (Taro.Yama),which are input by the user, are displayed before the SET button 63 isdepressed. A date, time, and a clock can also be displayed depending onsetting.

The cartridge 14 has a dial key 81 as shown in FIG. 18.

In the data storage apparatus as described above, the connector of acartridge (a cartridge pack or an IC card) incorporating a memoryelement, such as a data storage medium or RAM is automatically locked,by means of, for example, a shutter. As a result, a data reading/writingoperation can be restricted or inhibited, so that the security of datacan be maintained. The shutter mechanism protects the connector portionfrom dirt or dust, suppressing conductive defect, thereby providing asatisfactory electrical connection. Since the connector is protectedwhen the cartridge is drawn out of the personal computer or the like andthen carried, even if the cartridge is dropped, the connector will notreceive shock, so that damage such as soldering fatigue can beprevented. As a result, the reliability of the apparatus, for example,resistance to drop can be improved. In particular, in the case of acartridge HDD unit, with a mechanism for detecting a cartridge drawingoperation and automatically locking the driving elements within thecartridge, even if the cartridge receives an impact, damage of thedriving elements in the cartridge is reduced. Since dust owing to minutedamage of the driving elements in the cartridge is not generated,increase of the lifetime and improvement of the reliability can beensured.

An embodiment relating to an operation against an impact in an HDD unitnon-operating time will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 27.

FIG. 21 shows the fifth embodiment of the present invention. An HDD unit100, having a similar structure as that shown in FIG. 1, includes adriver 104, at least one impact acceleration detector 101 and at leastone secondary battery 102. The impact acceleration detector 101 causespower to be supplied from the secondary battery 102 to the driver 104directly or through a μ CPU 103 by an acceleration applied to the HDDunit during an HDD unit non-operating time. The secondary battery 102arranged inside the HDD unit 100 is charged by a host side power source,i.e., a power source 105 of the personal computer, when the HDD unit isoperating.

FIG. 22 shows a mechanism for supplying power from a secondary battery114 incorporated in the HDD unit 100 to HDD circuit elements by anacceleration applied to the HDD unit 100 during an HDD unitnon-operating time. Referring to FIG. 22, an end of a plate spring 111formed of a conductive material is fixed to the cartridge of the HDDunit 100, and solenoids 112 and 113 are arranged at both sides of theplate spring 111. The solenoids 112 and 113 are respectively comprisescores 112a and 113a and coils 112b and 113b wound around the respectivecores. First ends of the coils 112b and 113b are connected to a positiveor negative pole of a secondary battery 114 incorporated in the HDD unit100. Second ends of the coils 112b and 113b are respectively connectedto the cores 112a and 113a. When an acceleration is externally appliedto the HDD unit 100, the plate spring 110 is brought into contact withthe cores 112a and 113a. When the plate spring 111 is in contact withthe core 112a, a current flows from the secondary battery 114 to thecoil 112b, and when the plate spring 111 is in contact with the core113a, a current flows from the secondary battery 114 to the coil 113b.Due to the current flow through the coil 112a or 113a, the solenoid 112or 113 serves as an electromagnet, with the result that the plate spring111 is kept in contact with the metal core 112a or 113a, i.e., in a selfholding state.

If a plurality of self holding devices as described above are arrangedin the HDD unit, accelerations in a number of directions applied to theHDD unit 100 can be detected. In this case, when an acceleration isapplied to the HDD unit 100 in an HDD non-operating time, power of thesecondary battery 114 incorporated in the HDD unit 100 can be suppliedto the driver 104. In addition, it is possible to determine, dependingon the frequency characteristic of the plate spring and the distancebetween the metal cores 112b and 113b, the degree and the frequencycomponent of an acceleration which causes the power of the secondarybattery 114 to be supplied to the driver 104. For example, to increasethe sensitivity to an acceleration externally applied to the HDD unit100, a damping member 115 is attached to the plate spring 111, so as toobtain a frequency characteristic, from the externally appliedacceleration to the displacement of the distal end of the plate spring111, as shown in FIG. 24, and the distance between the plate spring 111and each of the solenoids 112 and 113 is reduced. To keep the platespring 111 in contact with the metal core 112a or 112b, it is necessarythat the magnetic force generated by the coil 112b and the metal core112a (or the coil 113b and the metal core 113a) be sufficiently greaterthan the force generated in the plate spring 111.

The above self holding devices may include a rotary plate spring 115, sothat the power of the secondary battery 114 can be supplied to thedriver 104 by an acceleration applied in a rotary direction in an HDDnon-operating time. In this case, an end of the rotary plate spring 115is fixed to the housing of the HDD unit 100 and the other end thereof isconnected to a metal plate 116. When an acceleration is applied to themetal plate 116 from the outside of the HDD unit 100, the metal plate isrotated and brought into contact with two of metal cores 117a, 118a,119a and 120a. As a result, a current flows through corresponding two ofcoils 117b, 118b, 119b and 120b. For example, when the metal plate 116is brought into contact with the metal cores 117a and 119b, the metalplate 116 keeps the self holding state with respect to both the metalcores 117 and 119.

FIG. 25 shows an embodiment in which a voice coil motor is driven bypower supplied from the secondary battery. In this embodiment, when anacceleration is externally applied to the HDD unit in an HDD unitnon-operating time, an acceleration detector 121 as shown in FIG. 25causes a current supplied from a secondary battery 122 to flow to a coil123 of a voice coil motor 125, so that the voice coil motor 125 may notdisengaged from a magnet latch 124. More specifically, a current iscaused to flow from the secondary battery 122 to the coil 123 of thevoice coil motor 125 in a direction such that the voice coil motor 125is pressed against the magnet latch 124. As a result, the voice coilmotor 125 is prevented from being disengaged from the magnet latch by anexternally applied acceleration by a resultant force of magnetic forcegenerated by the magnet latch 124 and a force generated by the voicecoil motor 125 by the current flowing through the coil 123 of the voicecoil motor 125.

FIG. 26 shows another embodiment for driving a voice coil motor by powersupplied from the secondary battery. In this embodiment, power issupplied from a secondary battery 122 incorporated in the HDD unit 100to a μ CPU 126. More specifically, power of the secondary battery 122 issupplied to the μ CPU 126 by an acceleration externally applied to theHDD unit 100. The acceleration moves the voice coil motor 125, with theresult that the coil 123 of the voice coil motor 125 generateselectromotive force. The electromotive force is converted by an A/Dconverter 127 to a direct current, which is input to the μ CPU 126. Whenthe electromotive force generated by the coil 123 of the voice coilmotor 125 exceeds a predetermined value, the current supplied from thesecond battery 122 to the coil 123 is converted to an alternate currentby a D/A converter 128. The alternate current is supplied to the coil123 via a driver 129, so that the voice coil motor 125 can be pressedagainst the magnet latch 124. Alternatively, the electromagnetic forcegenerated by the coil 123 is input to the μ CPU 126 by the A/D converter127. The value of an output from the μ CPU 126 to the D/A converter 128is determined, depending on the magnitude of the electromagnetic forcegenerated by the coil 123, so that the voice coil motor 125 can bepressed against the magnet latch 124.

FIG. 27 shows an embodiment including means for restricting an operationrange of a load spring supporting a magnetic head, using power suppliedfrom a secondary battery. In this embodiment, a magnetic head 132 issupported by a load spring 133 and a piezoelectric element 134 isattached to the load spring 133. When an acceleration is externallyapplied to the HDD unit 100 in an HDD non-operating time, a currentflows through the piezoelectric element 134 by power supplied from asecondary battery 135, so that a magnetic head 132 is pressed against amagnetic disk surface 131 by the piezoelectric element 134. As a result,the magnetic head 132 is prevented from colliding with the magnetic disksurface 131 due to acceleration applied to the HDD unit. Alternatively,a current is supplied from the secondary battery 135 to thepiezoelectric element 134, to separate the magnetic head 132 from thedisk surface 131, so that the magnetic head 132 can be prevented fromcolliding with the disk surface 131, even if an acceleration is appliedto the HDD unit. As a result, it is possible to prevent breakage of themagnetic head 132 and damage of the magnetic disk surface 131 due tocollision between the magnetic head 132 and the magnetic disk 131.

FIG. 28 shows an embodiment including means for preventing a spindlemotor from rotating by an acceleration applied to the HDD unit. Aspindle motor 141 shown in FIG. 28 has three phases, nine slots andtwelve poles. In this case, when a motor drive circuit 142 is fed by asecondary battery 143 incorporated in the HDD unit, it causes a currentto flow through two phases (for example, from "u" phase to "v" phase) of"u", "v" and "w" phases of the stator coil of the spindle motor, therebygenerating force between the magnetic field generated by the stator coiland the magnet on the rotor side, so that a static torque is generated.As a result, the spindle motor 141 is kept stationary. Therefore, evenif an acceleration is applied to the inner portion of the HDD unit, thespindle motor 141 is not rotated by the acceleration.

In this embodiment, to prevent the spindle motor 141 from rotating, acurrent may be caused to flow through only one phase or all the threephases of the stator coil to generate a static torque.

As described above, since the spindle motor is prevented from rotatingby an acceleration externally applied to the HDD unit, the magnetic disksurface is not rubbed by the magnetic head. Further, if the statictorque is generated in the spindle motor 141 by supplying power from thesecondary battery 143 to the spindle rotor 141 through the motor drivecircuit 142, the spindle motor 141 may be rotated until the positionalrelationship between a stator coil and a pole of the phase through whicha current from the secondary battery 143 flows has been stabilized,depending on the positional relationships between the stator coils andthe poles of in the spindle motor 141 in the stopped state. For thisreason, in order to completely prevent the magnetic disk surface frombeing rubbed by the magnetic head, a current is supplied from thesecondary battery 135 to the piezoelectric element 134 attached to theload spring 133 supporting the magnetic head in the structure shown inFIG. 27, before a current from the secondary battery 143 is supplied tothe spindle motor 141. As a result, the piezoelectric element 134 actsin a direction to remove the magnetic head 132 from the magnetic disksurface 131, thereby reducing the force of pressing the magnetic head132 to the magnetic disk surface 131.

An embodiment described below includes means for storing datarepresenting the fact that an operation for reducing an influence, onthe magnetic disk, of an acceleration applied in an HDD unitnon-operating time has been executed by power supplied from thesecondary battery in the HDD non-operating time and informing the userof the fact.

When an acceleration is externally applied in an HDD non-operating time,data representing the fact that an operation for reducing an influence,on the magnetic disk, of an acceleration applied in an HDD unitnon-operating time has been executed by power the supplied from thesecondary battery in the HDD non-operating time is stored in a memorythrough the μ CPU driven by the power supplied from the secondarybattery. When the HDD unit is driven, the data is transferred to thehost side, so that the user can be informed that the power supplied fromthe secondary battery in the HDD unit is supplied to the HDD unit by anacceleration applied in the HDD non-operating time. Data can betransferred from the HDD unit side to the host side (personal computerside) by using, for example, an extended-command region of an IDE orSCSI interface. In the case of a removable HDD unit, when the HDD unitis inserted in a personal computer, the user can be informed by means ofa sound or light, that the power is supplied from the secondary batteryin the HDD unit by an acceleration applied when the HDD unit is notoperating.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 to 28 as described above, anacceleration externally applied in an HDD non-operating time isdetected, thereby supplying power of the secondary battery in the HDDunit to the HDD unit. Further, the power supplied from the secondarybattery permits driving of the voice coil motor, restriction of theoperation range of a suspension supporting the magnetic head,restriction of the rotation of a spindle motor, storing of datarepresenting the fact that an acceleration is applied to the HDD unitwhen the HDD unit is not operating, and notifying the user the fact bytransferring the data to the host side. As a result, resistance tovibration and impact in an HDD non-operating time can be improved.

The sixth embodiment of the present invention, having a function ofgiving a warning when the HDD unit receives a great impact, will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 29 to 32.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, an HDD unit with an impact warningfunction comprises an HDD main body 202, an impact sensor 203 fordetecting an impact and a warning signal generator 204 for generating awarning signal.

In the impact sensor 203, as shown in FIG. 30, monocrystalline siliconis used as a structural material of a sensing element. A one-side heldbeam structure, in which an inertia part 206a is supported by a flexiblebeam 207, is formed on a silicon substrate 205a by silicon anisotropicetching. As shown in FIG. 31, an insulating layer (e.g., silicon oxide)208 is formed on the silicon substrate 205a. A signal wire 209a and pads210a and 210b are formed on the insulating layer 208, as shown in FIG.30. The signal wire 209 may be a metal wire, excluding breakage, formedof aluminum (Al) or the like, and a resistor need not be connectedthereto. Although the signal wire is formed on the insulating layer 208in this embodiment, it may be a low resistance layer separated by a pnjunction in a silicon matrix. As shown in FIG. 32, the silicon substrate205a is sandwiched between cover plates 211a and 211b, thus forming asensor chip 217. The sensor chip in this state can be incorporated inthe apparatus; however, it is generally packaged first and thenincorporated.

The impact sensor 203 is to detect an impact in a directionperpendicular to the silicon substrate 205a (indicated by the arrows inFIG. 31). It is designed and manufactured to such a size that theone-side held beam 207a vibrates up and down in accordance with animpact and is broken when an impact exceeding a predetermined magnitudeis applied thereto (the value of an impact which breaks the beam iscalled a breaking impact value). Since the HDD unit 201 has a lessresistance to an impact in a direction perpendicular to a recordingmedium, the impact sensor 203 is mounted on the unit to detect an impactin the direction. When an impact greater than the predetermined breakingimpact value is applied to the sensor and the beam 207a is broken, thewire 209a formed on the beam 207a is also broken. Thus, the sensor 203detects an impact greater than the predetermined value in a form of"breakage of the wire due to the breakage of the beam".

The sensor 203 is advantageous in that no power source is required. Asensor of the type, which requires power for a continuous operation,requires a power source, whereas the sensor of the above embodiment doesnot. Since the sensor of this embodiment, formed of silicon, is simpleand compact, it can be mass-manufactured at a low cost.

The warning signal generator 204 detects breakage of the impact sensor203 and generates a warning signal. Since the device 204 need beoperated only when it is connected to the main apparatus, e.g., apersonal computer, as will be described later, it does not require apower source. Since the sensor and the warning signal generator do notrequire a power source, they can be simple and manufactured at low cost.

The aforementioned HDD unit 201 can be carried freely like aconventional floppy disk and easily be loaded in and unloaded frominformation equipment, such as a personal computer. FIG. 33 shows anexample in which the HDD unit 201 is loaded in a personal computer 212having a display device 214. When the HDD unit 201, which has been drawnout of another personal computer, is inserted through an insertion slot213 of the personal computer 212, the personal computer 212 accesses theHDD unit 201. At this time, the disk is not rotated immediately but thewarning signal generator 204 is first operated to check whether the wireof the impact sensor is broken. The impact sensor 203 can be checked bythe warning signal generator 204 as soon as the HDD unit is connected tothe personal computer 212, whether or not the personal computer 212accesses the HDD unit. If it is detected that the impact sensor 203 isnot broken, the disk of the HDD 202 is rotated and the HDD 201 isnormally operated. If the impact sensor 203 has been broken due to, forexample, fall of the HDD unit during the carriage, the warning signalgenerator 204 supplies a signal for displaying a warning to the personalcomputer 212, so that a warning can be displayed on the display device214 of the personal computer 212. FIG. 33 shows an example of thedisplay in a case where the breaking impact value is set to 200G. Thewarning display includes a menu of subsequent processes, and the HDDunit 201 is not operated unless a suitable process is executed.

If the HDD unit 201, the interior of which has been broken, is operated,the disk storing data may probably be damaged, resulting in destructionof data. If a suitable process is executed, important data is not lostbut protected and can be transferred to another disk. This advantage issignificant particularly in a case where the disk has a large memorycapacity. In the above embodiment, the warning is displayed on thedisplay device 214. However, various measures can be taken for the samepurpose. For example, a warning sound or a warning message voice can begenerated or a warning lamp can be turned on or flickered. Further, aliquid crystal display can be incorporated in the HDD unit and a warningcan be displayed thereon.

In the above embodiment, the impact sensor 203 is constituted by theone-side held beam 207a. However, it can be formed of both-side heldbeams 207b and 207c as shown in FIG. 34, so that both ends of an inertiapart 206a are connected to a silicon substrate 205b. Alternatively, asshown in FIG. 35, an end of an inertia part 206a can be connected to asilicon substrate 205c by two or more beams 207d and 207e. In this case,a wire 209b is arranged through both the beams 207d and 207e andconnected to pads 210c and 210d.

If a plurality of beams are provided, it is possible that the beams havedifferent breaking impact values. For example, as shown in FIG. 36, twobeams 207f and 207g having a breaking impact value G1 and two beams 207hand 207i having a breaking impact value G2 smaller than G1 are formed inparallel between a silicon substrate 205d and an inertia part 206d. Inthis case, the beams 207f and 207g having the greater breaking impactvalue G1 are arranged outside the beams 207h and 207i having the smallerbreaking impact value G2. A wire 209c is arranged through the outerbeams 207f and 207g and connected to pads 210e and 210f. A wire 209d isarranged through the inner beams 207h and 207i and connected to pads210g and 210h.

When the impact sensor shown in FIG. 36 receives an impact, if the beams207h and 207i having the smaller breaking impact value G2 are broken andthe beams 207f and 207g having the greater breaking impact value G1 arenot broken, it is understood that an impact G greater than G2 andsmaller than G1 is applied to the sensor (G1>G>G2). Since the signalwires 209c and 209d are respectively formed on the beams having thedifferent breaking impact values, as shown in FIG. 36, the degree of theimpact can be detected by comparing the signals transmitted through thewires. As a result, a suitable process can be executed in accordancewith the degree of the impact. The breaking impact values G1 and G2 canbe set to desired values by changing, for example, the width orthickness of a beam, or the weight of the inertia part 206d.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 36, the beams 207f, 207g, 207h and 207ihaving different breaking impact values are formed between one inertiapart 206d and the substrate. However, as shown in FIG. 37, a pluralityof one-side held beams 207j and 207k having different breaking impactvalues can be provided so as to connect a silicon substrate 205e andinertia parts 206e and 206f, respectively. In this case, wires 209e and209f are respectively arranged through the beams 207j and 207k andextend to the inertia parts 206e and 206f. The ends of the respectivewires 209e and 209f are connected to corresponding sets of pads 210i,210j and 210k, 210l.

Although two one-side held beams are used in the embodiment shown inFIG. 37, it is possible to use three one-side held beams. In this case,if the beams are arranged as shown in FIG. 38, the area of the siliconsubstrate 205e can be reduced. More specifically, for example, fourinertia parts 206g, 206h, 206i and 206j are arranged in a staggeredmanner in a hole portion of a silicon substrate 205f, and beams 207l,207m, 207n and 207o, having different breaking impact values, extendbesides the inertia parts 206g, 206h, 206i and 206j so as to connect thecorresponding inertia parts to a silicon substrate 205r. In this case,wires 209g, 209h, 209i and 209j are respectively arranged through thebeams 207l, 207m, 207n and 207o and extend to the inertia parts 206g,206h, 206i and 206j. The ends of the respective wires are connected tocorresponding sets of pads 210m, 210n; 210o, 210p; 210q, 210r; and 210s,210t.

The impact sensor having the above constitution is mounted in the HDDunit 201, but can be exchanged easily. For example, as shown in FIG. 39,the HDD unit 201 is formed as a structure in which the four one-sideheld beams 207l, 207m, 207n and 207o as shown in FIG. 38 are moldedwithin an IC package with 8 pins.

With the impact sensor shown in FIG. 38, since the pads 210m, 210n,210o, 210p, 210q, 210r, 210s and 210t are formed on both sides of thesilicon substrate 205f, the pads of the sensor chip can easily be bondedwith pads of the package without crossing of wires. When a sensor isbroken due to an impact, it can be exchanged with another one. Theimpact sensor is attached in a sensor storage section of the HDD unit201. The storage section is normally protected by a cover but can easilybe removed when the sensor is exchanged. The sensor storage section islocated in a corner of the cartridge of the HDD unit 201, for example, acorner above the disk in the cartridge 14 of the HDD unit shown in FIG.1.

In the above embodiments, the impact sensor is mounted in the HDD unitso as to detect an impact in directions perpendicular to the disk.However, a plurality of impact sensors can be mounted in the HDD unit soas to detect an impact in directions parallel to the disk or athree-dimensional impact. Further, another type of impact sensor can beused. In the above embodiments, the impact sensor is comprised of asemiconductor sensor element and a device for generating an alarmsignal. However, an impact sensor, which displays various colors inaccordance with impact, can be used instead. In this type of sensor, thedegree of an impact is detected as a change of the color of the sensor.The color of the sensor itself thus serves to warn an impact, whereas inthe above embodiments, the display device of the main apparatus such asa personal computer displays a warning. Therefore, this type of thesensor is advantageous in that the user can see whether the HDD unit hasreceived an impact, before it is inserted in the personal computer.Further, if a sensor is of a type which detects a change in color andconverts it into an electrical signal, a warning can be displayed on themain device such as a personal computer in the same manner as in theabove embodiments.

In the above embodiments, the sensor and the device for generating awarning signal are constructed so as not to require a power source, sothat the structure can be simple and inexpensive and, particularly inthe case of a portable HDD unit, problems of a power source such as abattery can be solved. Needless to say, an impact sensor (accelerationsensor), a power source and a processor for only the impact sensor maybe incorporated in the HDD unit, so that the sensor can be continuouslyoperated to monitor an impact. In this case also, the same function asin the above embodiment can be performed.

FIG. 40 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, an HDD unit 11 comprises a base unit 4003, a cover 4103 anda print circuit board (PCB) 4018. The base unit 4003 includes a spindlemotor 4013, for rotating a magnetic disk, a magnetic head 4014 forwriting/reading data in/from the magnetic disk, a head IC (integratedcircuit) 4016 for processing write and read signals, and a voice coilmotor 4013 for moving the head. The magnetic disk 4012 is mounted in thebase unit 4003 so as to be rotatable by means of the spindle motor 4013.A packing 4101 is attached to the base unit 4003 and a packing 4001 isattached to the cover 4103 so as to face the packing 4101. The packings4001 and 4101 improve the airtightness of the HDD unit 11.

As shown in FIG. 41, a gaseous or a solid material 4201 changeable to aliquid is sealed between the packings 4001 and 4101.

With the above structure, when the HDD cartridge is decomposed, thesealed material adheres the head to the disk, so that data cannot bewritten or read. As a result, the security of data is further improved.So long as the head can be adhered to the disk when the HDD cartridge isdecomposed, the structure for providing the adhering function with thepackings 4001 and 4101 can be substituted for another one. For example,a respiration filter 4102 can be fixed to the base unit 4003 through thecover 4103. In this case, when the HDD cartridge is decomposed, arespiration filter assembly 4105 is broken so as to scatter a material4110 contained in the filter assembly 4105, thereby inducing a crash ofthe head or the disk.

Referring to FIG. 40, the magnetic disk 4012 and the spindle motor 4013for rotating the magnetic disk are arranged on the base unit 4003. Inaddition, the magnetic head 4014 for recording/reproducing data in/fromthe magnetic disk 4012 is also arranged thereon and driven by the voicecoil motor (VCM) 4017. The magnetic head 4014 and the voice coil motor4017 are controlled by the head IC 4016. The spindle motor 4013, thevoice coil motor 4017 and the magnetic head 4014 are covered by the PCB4018 and the cover 4103 so as to supply a current to these elements. Apacking 4001 is inserted between the cover 4103 and the base unit 4003.A respiration filter assembly 4015, in which a respiration film 4102 isarranged on the cover 4103 side, is mounted on the cover 4103.

According to the present invention, a device which can be electricallyconnected to or disconnected from, for example, a data reproducing andinputting apparatus, is mounted in a removable and portable cartridgeincorporating a recording medium. When the cartridge is removed from thedata inputting and reproducing apparatus, the electrical connection isautomatically cutoff and locked. The electrical connection cannot berestored so as to permit reading/writing of data, until the lock isreleased by means of a key. With this structure, change of data readingor writing mode is restricted by means of a mechanism which can beautomatically locked when the cartridge is drawn out of the datainputting and reproducing apparatus, so that it can be ensured that datais protected even after the cartridge is drawn out. As a result, a datastorage apparatus of a reliable security is provided.

According to the present invention, when the magnetic disk apparatusreceives an acceleration when it is not operating, it is fed by thesecondary battery incorporated therein, to restrict the driving of thevoice coil motor, the operation range of a gimbal supporting themagnetic head and the rotation of the spindle motor. In this manner, theinfluence of an impact applied to the magnetic disk apparatus during annon-operating time can be suppressed.

In addition, when the internal mechanism of the magnetic disk apparatusis broken or it receives an impact which may hinder the driving thereof,a warning is given to inform the user that the disk apparatus hasreceived a great impact. Therefore, the user can take a necessary actionto maintain the data stored in the disk apparatus.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details, and representative devices shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data storage apparatus comprising:a cartridgehaving a read/write circuit, said cartridge being attachable to anddetachable from an information equipment main body, said cartridgeincluding:a detector to detect whether said cartridge is connected tothe information equipment main body; a locking device to lock outtransmission of data between the information equipment main body andsaid read/write circuit based on the detection by said detector ofcartridge connection to the information equipment main body; a securitykey connected to said locking device to receive a security information;and a lock releasing device connected to said locking device to permittransmission of data only when the security information input from saidsecurity key corresponds to a preset information.
 2. A data storageapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge further includesa switch provided in a power supply path extending between a powersupply of the information equipment main body and said read/writecircuit, for controlling the power supply path based on the state ofsaid lock releasing device.
 3. A data storage apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said lock releasing device includes a memory to storethe preset information.
 4. A data storage apparatus according to claim1, wherein said security information is one selected from the groupconsisting of a number, an alphabet, a finger print, and a voice print.5. The data storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detector comprisesan extraction detecting means for detecting that the cartridge isdetached from the information equipment main body, and the lockingdevice comprises switching means provided in a power supplying path anda locking mechanism for locking the switching means in a cutoff state inresponse to an extraction detection.
 6. The data storage apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the extraction detecting means comprises a pressuresensor attached to the cartridge, and which is operated when thecartridge is detached from the information equipment main body, andsupplies a lock signal to the locking mechanism.
 7. The data storageapparatus of claim 5, wherein the extraction detecting means comprises avibration sensor which is attached to the cartridge, and which detectsvibration applied to the cartridge and supplies a lock signal to thelocking mechanism.
 8. The data storage apparatus of claim 5, wherein theextraction detecting means comprises a plurality of extraction detectingsensors which are attached to the cartridge, and which detect amechanical change raised in the cartridge and supplies a lock signal tothe locking mechanism.
 9. The data storage apparatus of claim 8, whereinthe extraction detecting sensors are at least one of pressure sensorsand vibration sensors.
 10. The data storage apparatus of claim 1,wherein the detector comprises an extraction detecting means fordetecting that the cartridge is detached from the information equipmentmain body, and the locking device comprises switching means provided ina data transmission path and a locking mechanism for locking theswitching means in a cutoff state in response to an extractiondetection.
 11. The data storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein thedetector comprises an extraction detecting means for detecting that thecartridge is detached from the information equipment main body, and thelocking device comprises cramping means for cramping an operation oflocking device incorporated in the cartridge in order to inhibit datareading and writing in response to an extraction detection.
 12. The datastorage apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cramping means comprise meansfor performing at least one of cramping of the operation of a readingand writing actuator, fixing of a magnetic head incorporated in thecartridge, locking of a magnetic head driving mechanism, cramping of adisk serving as the data recording medium, and fixing of a rotor of amotor.
 13. The data storage apparatus of claim 11, wherein the crampingmeans comprise a cutoff mechanism mounted in a cartridge and cut off inresponse to the extraction detection.
 14. The data storage apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising input means, wherein the input meanscomprises a dial key attached to the cartridge and operated by the user.15. The data storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising inputmeans, wherein the input means comprises a touch panel, attached to thecartridge, through which data is input.
 16. The data storage apparatusof claim 15, wherein the touch panel comprises a liquid crystal panelwhich can display input data.
 17. A data storage apparatus comprising:acartridge having a read/write circuit, said cartridge being attachableto and detachable from an information equipment main body, saidcartridge including:a detector to detect whether said cartridge isconnected to the information equipment main body; a locking device tolock out transmission of data between the information equipment mainbody and said read/write circuit based on the detection by said detectorof cartridge connection to the information equipment main body; asecurity key connected to said locking device to receive a securityinformation; and a lock releasing device connected to said lockingdevice to permit transmission of data only when the security informationinput from said security key corresponds to a preset information;wherein said security key includes a dial key.
 18. An apparatuscomprising:an information equipment and a cartridge attachable to saidinformation equipment, said cartridge including:a detector detectingconnection of said cartridge to the information equipment; a lockcontrolling transmission of data between the information equipment andsaid cartridge in response to the detection of the connection of saidcartridge by said detector; a security key connected to the lockoperative to input security information; and a release mechanismconnected to the lock for enabling transmission of data only when thesecurity information coincides with a preset information.
 19. Anapparatus according to claim 18, wherein said information equipmentincludes a power supply, and the cartridge further includes a switchcontrolling the power supply based on the state of said releasemechanism.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said releasemechanism includes a data storage storing the preset information.
 21. Anapparatus according to claim 18, wherein said security information isone selected from the group consisting of a number, an alphabet, afinger print, and a voice print.
 22. An apparatus comprising:aninformation equipment and a cartridge attachable to said informationequipment, said cartridge including: a detector detecting connection ofsaid cartridge to the information equipment; a lock controllingtransmission of data between the information equipment and saidcartridge in response to the detection of the connection of saidcartridge by said detector;a security key connected to the lockoperative to input security information; and a release mechanismconnected to the lock for enabling transmission of data only when thesecurity information coincides with a preset information; wherein saidsecurity key includes a dial key.
 23. A data storage apparatuscomprising:a cartridge enclosing a read/write circuit, attachable to anddetachable from an information equipment main body, said cartridgeincluding:detecting means for detecting a mechanical change of saidcartridge with respect to the information equipment main body; datainhibiting means for creating a lockout state inhibiting transmission ofdata between the information equipment main body and said read/writecircuit in response to said detection of a mechanical change of saidcartridge by said detecting means; data inputting means for inputtinginformation; and data releasing means for releasing the lockout stateonly when the input information corresponds to preselected information.24. The data storage apparatus of claim 23, wherein said data inhibitingmeans includes a switch provided in a power supply path extendingbetween a power supply in the information equipment main body and saidread/write circuit, and a locking device for locking said switch in saidlockout state in response to detection of a mechanical change of saidcartridge.
 25. The data storage apparatus of claim 23, wherein said datainhibiting means includes a switch provided in a data transmission lineextending between the information equipment main body and saidread/write circuit and a locking device for locking said switch in saidlockout state in response to detection of a mechanical change of saidcartridge.
 26. The data storage apparatus of claims 24 or 25, whereinsaid detecting means includes a data extraction detector for detectingextraction of said cartridge from the information equipment main bodyand transmitting an extraction detection signal to said locking device.27. The data storage apparatus of claims 24 or 25, wherein said datareleasing means includes a lock releasing device for releasing saidswitch from said lockout state.
 28. The data storage apparatus of claim23, wherein said data releasing means includes a memory storing saidpreselected information.
 29. The data storage apparatus of claim 23,wherein said detecting means includes a cartridge drawing detector fordetecting extraction of said cartridge from the information equipmentmain body, and said data inhibiting means include a cramping means forcramping operation of a read/write actuator in response to detection ofcartridge extraction.
 30. The data storage apparatus of claim 29,wherein said cramping means includes a mechanical cutoff apparatus forcutting off an electrical connection between said cartridge and theinformation equipment main body.
 31. The data storage apparatus claim23, further comprising a lock inhibit switch for preventing the datainhibiting means from operating upon said detection of a mechanicalchange.
 32. A data storage apparatus comprising:a cartridge enclosing aread/write circuit, attachable to and detachable from an informationequipment main body; detecting means for detecting a mechanical changeof said cartridge with respect to the information equipment main body;data inhibiting means for creating a lockout state inhibitingtransmission of data between the information equipment main body andsaid read/write circuit in response to said detection of a mechanicalchange of said cartridge by said detecting means; data inputting meansfor inputting information; and data releasing means for releasing thelockout state only when the input information corresponds to preselectedinformation; wherein said data inhibiting means includes a switchprovided in a power supply path extending between a power supply in theinformation equipment main body and said read/write circuit, and alocking device for locking said switch in said lockout state in responseto detection of a mechanical change of said cartridge; and wherein saiddetecting means includes a plurality of detectors for detecting aplurality of mechanical changes in said cartridge with respect to theinformation equipment main body and transmitting a plurality ofmechanical change detection signals to said locking device.
 33. A datastorage apparatus comprising:a cartridge enclosing a read/write circuit,attachable to and detachable from an information equipment main body;detecting means for detecting a mechanical change of said cartridge withrespect to the information equipment main body; data inhibiting meansfor creating a lockout state inhibiting transmission of data between theinformation equipment main body and said read/write circuit in responseto said detection of a mechanical change of said cartridge by saiddetecting means; data inputting means for inputting information; anddata releasing means for releasing the lockout state only when the inputinformation corresponds to preselected information; wherein said datainputting means includes a dial key attached to said cartridge.
 34. Adata storage apparatus, comprising:a cartridge enclosing a read/writecircuit, attachable to and detachable from an information equipment mainbody; detecting means for detecting a mechanical change of saidcartridge with respect to the information equipment main body; datainhibiting means for creating a lockout state inhibiting transmission ofdata between the information equipment main body and said read/writecircuit in response to said detection of a mechanical change of saidcartridge by said detecting means; data inputting means for inputtinginformation; and data releasing means for releasing the lockout stateonly when the input information corresponds to preselected information;wherein said data inhibiting means includes a switch provided in a datatransmission line extending between the information equipment main bodyand said read/write circuit and a locking device for locking said switchin said lockout state in response to detection of a mechanical change ofsaid cartridge; and wherein said detecting means includes a plurality ofdetectors for detecting a plurality of mechanical changes in saidcartridge with respect to the information equipment main body andtransmitting a plurality of mechanical change detection signals to saidlocking device.